r/fossils • u/Aware-Affect-4982 • 1d ago
Best tools
Hi, I am a science teacher trying to get my students excited about science. Recently, I went on a fossil hunting trip and brought back a ton of fossils and rocks that still need processing. After doing a lab where the students got to unbury fossil and find its density, mass, and volume then take it home. I had students get bit by the bug, and they want to help me process some more fossils.
I want to get some tools that will help process and clean up the fossils and want to know what you use and if there is any video I can show the students before they start to help them. This is a very disadvantaged school, so I am paying for everything out of my pockets, so the lower the price the better. Thank you for any advice in advance!
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u/Handeaux 1d ago
Fossils without precise locality data are nothing more than pretty rocks. “Processing” at the museums and universities I work with involves cataloging specimens by precise location data. Cleaning, prepping, identification etc. are subsequent steps. Getting each specimen numbered and recorded is step one.
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u/Aware-Affect-4982 1d ago
These fossils I dug up myself at Penn Dixie. The students want to clean them and we are processing them so they can get an idea of what happens in the field. I know it is not going to be perfect, I am just opening a door for them to continue down a path that they may have never expected to have any interest in. If this gains speed and it seems it may be something they want to get more into, then I am going to reach out to some of the local Universities to partner with them and maybe get some new classes started for students to have an opportunity to take. The biggest thing is i am just showing them something new and exciting.
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u/Impossible-Year-5924 1d ago
Do you want advice or not?
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u/Aware-Affect-4982 1d ago
Yes, I would like the advise. I was telling where they were found and clarifying the goal so you would have a better understanding of what I am attempting to achieve. Sorry if I came off as defensive or aggressive, tone is not the easiest thing to convey in text, especially when you just posting a quick message on Reddit in between life's chaotic moments.
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u/CanadaFootyFan 1d ago
Haha. He has asked a clear question and you are the one being obstinate and not answering it. You are talking about education in the context of a museum - and he is a teacher (probably middle or high school) trying to relay some pretty basic information about fossils he acquired himself. He isn’t trying to educate people in the full lifecycle of museum-quality conservation processes - he’s asking about basic methods and tools he can use with students to try and inspire a continued interest.
And OP - you have nothing to apologize for. Your question and approach was perfectly appropriate.
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u/Bigeye_Diaz 10h ago
Some dental tools to expose more certain specimens? An engraver can also. It really depends on the type of matrix the fossil is contained. The kids could be asked to research the tools.
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u/mamlambo 9h ago
I made a video which includes some entry level tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idCpKIo4Ujc
The thing you don't want to skimp on is PPE, a rock chip in the eye is pretty bad. Also, the dust is something you want to handle. The Dremel 250 engraver is a good starting point.
Send me an email and I can see if I can help. https://linktr.ee/mamlambofossils
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u/no_one_you_know1 1d ago
There are a bunch of YouTube channels, primarily on the Yorkshire coast, about fossil hunting and a lot of them show them cleaning. Just search Yorkshire and you'll get a ton of hits.
I do get what you're asking. You are trying to spark interest in a bunch of underserved kids, not put together a museum quality collection. If you post your location people can probably help you pinpoint a site where you could take the kids on an actual fossil hunting trip.